Not Bad For A Budget Tourer

Moto Guzzi came up with its latest version of the 1200 GT back in ’11, and that design has withstood the test of time as it looks to be a direct carryover into at least the 2018 model year. The factory retains the service of the “four-valve” engine with its 100-plus horsepower and transverse V-twin layout. In keeping with its heritage, the latest Norge falls well within the sport-tour bracket with the protective features and cargo capacity the U.S. market expects of its long-distance bikes. How will it stack up against the American V-twins and the new Gold Wing? We’re going to find out, but first let’s take a deeper look at the current Norge GT.

Latest Moto-Guzzi Norge
news and reviews:

Moto Guzzi came up with its latest version of the 1200 GT back in ’11, and that design has withstood the test of time as it looks to be a direct carryover into at least the 2018 model year. The factory retains the service of the “four-valve” engine with its 100-plus horsepower and transverse V-twin layout. In keeping with its heritage, the latest Norge falls well within the sport-tour bracket with the protective features and cargo capacity the U.S. market expects of its long-distance bikes. How will it stack up against the American V-twins and the new Gold Wing? We’re going to find out, but first let’s take a deeper look at the current Norge GT.

One of the most comfortable and practical motorcycles built by Moto Guzzi is the Norge 1200 GT. The bike offers top notch ergonomics, e sporty windscreen, forgivable suspensions and easy maneuverability.

With a dry weight of 542 lbs, the 2012 Norge is powered by a new 90-degree v-twin, air-cooled engine with a displacement of 1,151 cc. The engine has more power than its predecessor and delivers rock-solid low-end torque. Apart from the sporty engine the 2012 Norge is packed with front and rear ABS and Brembo brake components.

It’s also worthy of being mentioned that the motorcycle is packed with Compact Reactive Shaft Drive with a steel frame and a fully adjustable suspension system which helps to deliver a comfortable ride.

Riding around town or in the countryside need not always be about pure speed thrills. So for those that prefer a change of pace and take their time while basking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the world passing by, the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V is the bike for you.

At the heart of the Norge GT 8V is a V-shaped 90° transverse twin-cylinder "Four valve" engine, considered the highest performing engine among all the families of powertrains manufactured at Mandello del Lario. Riding along that impressive powertrain is the Norge’s soft suspension, one that can be adjusted for preload front and rear with the shocks featuring rebound adjustment.

All the improvements done in the development of the bike’s powertrain have also increased the Norge’s overall drive dynamics. The changes in setting of the suspension, such as replacing the spring set on the fork and shock absorber, allow the bike to achieve optimal hydraulic response on the two suspension units. Moreover, the bike also comes with a powerful, new electronic ABS braking system which is combined with front brake discs fitted with a new high performance brake band.
This setup provides the kind of safety standards that make riding this bike easy.

When it comes to European tourers, there’s really no point in trying to look for a four-cylinder motorcycle because all manufacturers there are, in a way or another, keen on twin-cylinder engines. After all, torque is what touring is all about and having a sporty engine that is almost naturally configured to produce torque, does precisely the trick that manufacturers such as BMW and Moto Guzzi are trying to achieve with their R 1200 RT and Norge 1200. We put this last model to the test and came to find that simplicity and refinement stand a better chance on today’s market than mountains of horsepower and numerous gadgets. At least in Europe…

Moto Guzzi USA, manufacturer of the legendary "Italian Eagle" Moto Guzzi(R) motorcycle and a pioneer of two-wheel vehicles, today announced the debut of its highly-anticipated Norge 1200 GT in the U.S. market. Built to deliver superior comfort and safety, the Norge 1200’s unique styling, performance and technology offer a smooth and stable ride, mile after mile.
Thoroughly tested in Moto Guzzi’s Italian factory wind tunnel, the Norge 1200 fairing was designed for remarkable rider (...)

The Gran Turismo for the 21st century is born... at Mandello del Lario of course. A tribute to its predecessor and not just in name - the concept of absolute protection and comfort has simply been translated into modern day language and technologically updated. The Norge 1200 has an elegant and dynamic design, excellent ergonomics and comfort and short wheelbase to make it competitive even in the traffic. Dynamic and responsive, the Norge 1200 is a modern Gran Turismo which makes flexibility its main strong point as it crosses city centres and boundless distances with the same ease.